Ben Mercer is an ex-cop, lamed, framed, and thrown off the force for a crime his partner committed. Now homeless, he has no expectations for a better life until he's recruited by Durand, head of Vanguard Security, to join a team that deals with problems the police can't or won't touch. All Ben needs is the approval of the team leader, Zach Turner.<br><br>To get it, Ben has to prove to Zach that he still retains his skills as a sniper, and that he can handle any job thrown at him, despite the still painful damage to his knee. He does, and is immediately pulled into a job with the team, rescuing a kidnap victim.<br><br>Ben had one big secret, or did have until Durand drew it out of him. Before his life was drastically changed he had denied, even to himself, that he was gay. Now that he's accepted it, and learned that Zach is as well, can the two men forge a bond beyond that of being teammates and friends? It will take several more jobs before Ben gets his answer.

A Second Chance

“Not at all. I was married, and it wasn’t a bad one while it lasted. We liked each other. We even had sex because I had to keep up pretenses.”


“I see. Let me guess, you were hiding behind it so no one would know.”


“Then are you and Zach, you know, more than partners for your job?”


“So here I am, with two handsome men, and neither of you sees me as anything more than someone you need to protect.”


“That and as a woman we like. Well, I can’t speak for him, but I like you.”


“I suppose that’s something, and shouldn’t we get going?”


“Quick change of subject, but yes, we should.”


Chapter 41